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NASB | 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me [as an apostle] to baptize, but [commissioned and empowered me] to preach the good news [of salvation]--not with clever and eloquent speech [as an orator], so that the cross of Christ would not be made ineffective [deprived of its saving power]. |
Subject: Why Didn't Paul and Jesus Baptize? |
Bible Note: Greetings Aspiring Overseer! Thanks for your response my friend. I have read several of your posts, but have not had the opportunity to interact with you as of yet! If you notice in 1 Pet. 3:21, Peter qualifies his statement that baptism saves by immediately adding - "not the removal of dirt from the flesh". In doing so, he uses the strong adversative 'alla' or 'but'. It is clear that he was afraid that someone might misunderstand what he was saying. Rather, he says, it is either "the response of a good conscience" (NIV) or the "appeal for a good conscience" (NASB). In other words, baptism is either done because of our good conscience or as a prayer for a good conscience. But, baptism does not cleanse. In the Greek, the phrase '- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-' is parenthetical. Thus, it is the resurrection of Christ which really saves. Baptism is our response to salvation. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |